SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:

It was 1995 when Gordon B. Hinckley assumed the role of president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a robust 84 then and had served 34 years in the senior councils of the Church.

His 13 years as president were marked with a legendary energy. At 95, he traveled to dozens of countries to meet with the growing membership. Of the 124 Temples (different from “chapels”) worldwide today, he dedicated 95! In Orange County, he selected the site after several visits, supervised the exterior and interior design of, and dedicated the Newport Beach Temple on Bonita Canyon Drive.

His humor was always warm and quick. While laying the cornerstone of the Newport Beach Temple, the mortar just wouldn’t stay in the joints. He quipped, “We’ve had a lot of experience at this, but I don’t seem to be getting any better.”

At his last birthday celebration, as the congregation of some 22,000 in the new Conference Center sang “Happy Birthday,” he stood with a beaming smile and led the singing with his cane. And when a new counselor was chosen to assist him, he used his cane to “knight” the new associate to the delight of the thousands attending and millions watching.

The members of the Church in Orange County will remember with love his counsel to the members of his faith and his admonition to live lives consistent with the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Throughout his career, Hinckley was known for his outreach to people of other faiths to promote respect for God’s children. There is a joyous reunion in heaven with his wife of 65 years, Marjorie, and others who have preceded him. Bon voyage, Gordon Hinckley!

Those interested in the counsel and teachings of Gordon Hinckley, can refer to his N.Y. Times bestselling book “Standing for Something,” published by Random House, and available in bookstores and on Amazon.com.

Funeral proceedings will be broadcast live at most LDS chapels in Orange County beginning 10 a.m. today.

?THOMAS L. THORKELSON is the director of Interfaith Relations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Orange County Council.